ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Heavy Industries
Need for systematic improvement in timely execution of thermal projects: Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey
Projects North Karanpura and Patratu need to be accorded highest priority: Dr. Pandey
Union Minister for Heavy Industries reviewed thermal projects executed by BHEL
There is need for systematic improvements and formulation of project specific teams to ensure timely execution of high value national importance power projects, said Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister for Heavy Industries while reviewing the under-construction thermal project being executed by BHEL for central and state utilities here today.
Dr. Pandey also mentioned that projects like North Karanpura and Patratu need to be accorded on highest priority for their earliest possible commissioning.
According to the Union Minister, these projects are of National importance which also includes Maitree Thermal Project being developed by BIFPCL at Bangladesh and being executed by BHEL. CMD, Director  and other officials of BHEL briefed the Minister on the present status of the projects. He expressed deep concern over the excessive delay in some of the projects and directed CMD, BHEL to take immediate necessary measures.
Further, in view of increasing power demand in the country, Dr. Pandey emphasized the need to complete the projects in time bound manner in close co- ordination with the utilities. The Minister acknowledged the efforts of BHEL in commissioning Unit #1 of Maitree Bangladesh project, commissioning Unit #1 of North Karanpura Power Project , with country’s first Air Cooled Condenser . In this regard, the Union Minster directed BHEL to ensure commissioning of Second Unit of NKPP by October, 2023 and Third Unit by March, 2024.
BHEL is the only Indian Company & manufacturer of 800MW Boiler and Turbine to have executed projects with 800MW unit ratings in EPC mode. Out of the 37 sets of 800MW commissioned/ under construction, 25 sets have been ordered on BHEL and the balance are imported. BHEL has also set a benchmark in India and holds the record for fastest execution on 800MW power plant at Kothagudem.
With the reducing demand of Thermal Power Projects, BHEL in its efforts for product diversification has recently received an order for 80 nos. of Vande Bharat Trainsets.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary, Joint Secretaries and other srnior officers of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
Special Service and Features
Regional Media Workshop of PIB Cochin at Palakkad on June 22, 2023
Palakkad: June 21, 2023
Press Information Bureau , Cochin, under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, is organizing a Regional Media Conference for journalists on June 22, 2023  from 9.30 am at Hotel Fort Palace, Palakkad. Palakkad District Collector Dr Chithra S. will inaugurate the Conference. Shri V. Palanichamy, Additional Director General, PIB Kerala-Lakshadweep Region, will preside over the function and Shri Ramesh N., President, Palakkad Press Club will deliver the Keynote address.
Shri Jai P Bal, Deputy Director, Poverty Alleviation Unit , Palakkad and Shri Sreenath R. P., Lead Bank Dist. Divisional Manager, Palakkad will lead the first session on “Central Govt Schemes - An Overview". Shri P. K. Surendran, senior journalist will then speak on “Development Journalism & the Role of Media in Creating a Jan Andolan”
Smt. Rashmi Roja Thushara Nair, Director , PIB Cochin will give an introduction to various media organizations under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
In the 'Sharing of Experiences' segment of the Workshop, officials from various media organizations under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, beneficiaries of central government schemes, influencer Smt Beena Govind and Ahalia Community Radio Station in-charge Shri Sunil Subramanian will narrate their experiences.
PIB periodically organizes such workshops in various districts to build a direct interface with regional media persons as part of its outreach activities.
The Workshop is being organized in association with Press Club, Palakkad and CBC, Palakkad Office. Shri Shri K. Madhusudanan Kartha, Secretary, Press Club and Smt Shamila K. Y., Media and Communication Officer, PIB Cochin will also address the participants.
(Entry is only for registered journalists
NB: Schedule attached
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the demise of veteran journalist, Madhuriben
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the demise of veteran journalist, Madhuriben.
The Prime Minister tweeted;
““ચિત્રલેખા” પરિવારના મધુરીબેનના અવસાનથી દુઃખી છું. એમનું અવસાન વાચક જગત માટે મોટી ખોટ છે. સદ્ગતના આત્માની શાંતિ માટે પ્રાર્થના તથા શોકગ્રસ્ત પરિવાર અને એમના વિશાળ વાચકવર્ગને સાંત્વના...ઓમ શાંતિ !!”
Ministry of Steel
Steel Minister, Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh to chair two-day Conference of Ministers of Mines & Industries from States
Union Steel Minister, Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh will chair ‘Conference with Mines and Industry Ministers’ of mineral rich states of the country at Konark, Odisha between 25-26 February, 2022. The State Governments of Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha and Rajasthan have confirmed their willingness to participate in the conference. The Minister of State for Steel and Rural Development Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste will also address the two day Conference.
Ministry of Steel, Govt of India is hosting the ‘Conference with Mines and Industry Ministers’ with the objective for better coordination between the State and Central governments and to offer an opportunity of presentation and interaction on matters related to Mining leases, Environment Clearances, Forest Clearances of ongoing and new mining projects.
Considering the complementary role of state governments in facilitating business, Government will use the opportunity to showcase the ₹6,322 crore PLI Scheme for Specialty Steel to the participating states.
Further, an interactive session to understand the concerns of Secondary Steel Sector will be held during the event. Senior Officers from Union and State ministries of Steel, Mines and Industries, State and Central Public Sector Undertakings will be present during the sessions.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Government working towards enhancing penetration of 13 flagship and 44 individual Beneficiary-centric schemes in both districts of Ladakh: Shri G. Kishan Reddy
Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, in a written reply to a question regarding tribal status to Ladakh, in Lok Sabha today, said that as per the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Act, 1997 , as amended from time to time, continues to be applicable to the successor Union Territory of Ladakh.
The Minister informed the House that LAHDC Act, 1997 provides for establishment of Autonomous Hill Development Councils in the Ladakh region. Autonomous Hill Development Councils came into existence in Leh in 1995 and in Kargil in 2003. The powers given to these Councils are more or less in line with the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. After the amendment of the LAHDC Act, 1997 in 2018, these Councils have been further empowered.
The Government of India and the administration of the Union Territory of Ladakh are working towards enhancing penetration of 13 flagship and 44 individual beneficiary centric schemes of Government of India among the eligible persons/families in both the districts of Ladakh, Shri Reddy stated.
Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Centre extends time period for stock limits of tur and urad to 31st December
Stock limit for wholesalers and big chain retailers at depot reduced to 50 MT
The government has extended the time period for existing stock limits under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in respect of tur and urad from 30th October, 2023 to 31st December, 2023 and also revised the stock holding limits for certain stockholding entities. As per the notification issued today, the limit for stock with wholesalers and also big chain retailers at depot has been reduced from 200 MT to 50 MT, and the limit for miller has been reduced from last 3 months production or 25% of annual capacity, whichever is higher to last 1 month production or 10% of annual capacity, whichever is higher.
The revision in stock limits and extension of the time period is to prevent hoarding and elicit the continuous release of Tur and Urad in sufficient quantities to the market and make tur dal and urad dal available at affordable prices for the consumers.
As per the latest order, stock limits have been prescribed for tur and urad until 31st December, 2023 for all States and Union Territories. Stock limits applicable to each of the pulse individually will be 50 MT for wholesalers; 5 MT for retailers; 5 MT at each retail outlet and 50 MT at depot for big chain retailers; last 1 month of production or 10% of annual installed capacity, whichever is higher, for the millers. In respect of importers, the importers are not to hold imported stock beyond 30 days from the date of Customs clearance. The respective legal entities are to declare the stock position on the portal  of Department of Consumer Affairs and in case the stocks held by them are higher than the prescribed limits then, they shall bring the same to the prescribed stock limits within 30 days of issue of the notification.
Earlier the government had, on 2nd January, 2023, issued stock limit notification for tur and urad in order to prevent hoarding and unscrupulous speculation and also to improve affordability to the consumers. The Department of Consumer Affairs is closely monitoring the stock position of tur and urad through stock disclosure portal which has been reviewed on weekly basis with the State Government.
Ministry of Defence
CURTAIN RAISER AWARD OF PRESIDENT'S COLOUR TO INS DRONACHARYA
INS Dronacharya, the Gunnery School of the Indian Navy, is being awarded the prestigious President's Colour on 16th March 23 by the Hon'ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. The President's Colour or the Nishan is considered the highest honour that the Supreme Commander, President of India, bestows on a unit for its exceptional service to the Nation.
INS Dronacharya is entrusted with the training of officers and sailors of the Navy, Coast Guard and friendly foreign maritime forces on all aspects of gunnery and missile warfare. Training of Officers and sailors to deliver ordnance on target effectively is the core focus of INS Dronacharya. It forges sea warriors and equips them with the professional acumen and unyielding spirit to man our powerful warships. The unit is also the nodal centre for training of Sagar Prahari Bal and Navy's centre for training in constabulary operations for several Indian Ocean Region  Nations. The unit is also the training authority for drill and ceremonials in the Navy and Coast Guard. INS Dronacharya was designated as the Centre for Excellence in Gunnery and Missile Warfare in 2004. The unit is affiliated with the Indian Army School of Artillery in the spirit of jointmanship. The alumni of the institution have distinguished themselves in war and peace through exemplary acts of courage, unwavering commitment and impeccable professionalism. The alumni include one Mahavir Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Yudh Seva Medal, five Veer Chakra and seven Shaurya Chakra awardees.
The Gunnery School has evolved over a period of time to become an institution of international repute providing training on all facets of gunnery and missile warfare. In recognition of the Gunnery School's yeoman service to the nation, the President's Colour is being awarded to INS Dronacharya on 16 Mar 2023. The ceremonial parade for the presentation of colours would be held at 1620 h and reviewed by the Hon'ble President of India. Hon'ble Governor of Kerala; Chief Minister of Kerala; Chief of the Naval Staff, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command and other senior service and civilian dignitaries will also be present on the occasion. Live streaming of the parade will commence at 1550 h on DD National and Indian Navy YouTube channel.
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UPSC
Recruitment Results Finalized By UPSC in October, 2022
The following Recruitment Results have been finalized by the Union Public Service Commission during the month of October,2022. The recommended candidates have been informed individually by post.
Click here to see the link
Ministry of Finance
Government committed to ODF plus to sustain ODF behaviour
Budgetary Provision of Rs 12,300 Crore for Swachh Bharat Mission in 2020-21
Focus on Liquid and Grey Water Management along with Waste Management
Rs 3.60 Lakh Crore approved for Jal Jeevan Mission
Government is committed to ODF Plus in order to sustain ODF behaviour and to ensure that no one is left behind. While presenting the Union Budget 2020-21 in Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt Nirmala Sitharaman said, “now more needs to be done towards liquid and grey water management. Focus would also be on solid waste collection, source segregation and processing. Total allocation for Swachh Bharat Mission is Rs.12,300 crore in 2020-21”.
Smt Nirmala Sitharaman said that Rs. 3.60 lakh crore have been approved for Jal Jeevan Mission which is aimed at providing piped water supply to all households. This scheme also places emphasis on augmenting local water sources, recharging existing sources and will promote water harvesting and de-salination, the Minister added. She said that cities with over a million population will be encouraged to meeting this objective during the current year itself. The Scheme would be provided resources of Rs. 11,500 crore during the year 2020-21.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Transfer of Salt Department Land to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai
Ministry of Commerce & Industry has received a proposal from the Revenue and Forests Department of Maharashtra Government for transfer of 80.98 acres of salt pan land in village-Mulund, Taluka-Kurla, District-Mumbai Suburban, to Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai  for dumping of refuse, solid waste treatment plant and allied processes. The land requested for transfer is under litigation with regard to ownership issue. The Bombay High Court in an interim order has restrained all parties from creating third party rights on the said land. Further, this land was also approved for transfer to the Ministry of Urban Development  in 1986. However, MoHUA are yet to take possession of the said land due to litigations and encroachments.
In view of the litigation as above, no time frame can be given for handing over the said land to State Government or MCGM.
This information was given by Minister of State for Commerce & Industry C. R. Chaudhary in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
In reply to another question, C. R. Chaudhary said that there is no proposal to establish a separate Special Welfare Board for salt workers. The Government, through Salt Commissioner’s Organization  is conducting a number of activities for welfare of salt workers, such as cash rewards to meritorious children of salt workers, organizing training camps, health-cum-eye camps and sport meets.
Ministry of Finance
SHARP INCREASE OF 35.4% IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
CAPEX IN 2022-23 MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM 2019-20
EFFECTIVE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ESTIMATED AT Rs. 10.68 LAKH CRORE
SOVEREIGN GREEN BONDS TO MOBILIZE RESOURCES FOR GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
“The outlay for capital expenditure in the Union Budget is being stepped up sharply by 35.4% from Rs. 5.54 lakh crore in the current year to Rs. 7.50 lakh crore in 2022-23”, said the Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget Speech here in Parliament today.
Presenting the Union Budget 2022-23, she told that the capital expenditure has thus increased to more than 2.2 times the expenditure of 2019-20 and it would be 2.9% of GDP in 2022-23. The virtuous cycle of investment requires public investment to crowd-in private investment. For the private investments to rise to their potential and to the needs of the economy, public investment must continue to take the lead and pump-prime the private investment and demand in 2022-23, said the Minister.
Effective Capital Expenditure:
With capital expenditure taken together with the provision made for creation of capital assets through Grants-in-Aid to States, the ‘Effective Capital Expenditure’ of the Central Government is estimated at Rs. 10.68 lakh crore in 2022-23, which will be about 4.1% of GDP, informed the minister.
Green Bonds:
Smt. Sitharaman announced that sovereign Green Bonds would be issued for mobilizing resources for green infrastructure as a part of the government’s overall market borrowings in 2022-23. The proceeds would be deployed in public sector projects which help in reducing the carbon intensity of the economy.
The Finance Minister highlighted the role of capital investments in ensuring speedy and sustained economic revival and consolidation by creating employment opportunities, inducing enhanced demand for manufactured inputs from large industries and MSMEs, services from professionals, and help farmers through better agri-infrastructure.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
203.94 cr Total Vaccine doses  have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
33,87,173 doses administered in last 24 hours
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,43,384
Active cases stand at 0.33%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.48%
20,958 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 4,33,30,442
20,408 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
87.48 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 4,04,399 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Second Meeting of Steering Committee of Ken-Betwa Link Project
The Second Meeting of Steering Committee of Ken-Betwa Link Project  was held today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi under the Chairmanship of Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti. The meeting was attended by representatives of both the States of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh and officials of various Central Ministries and NITI Aayog.
Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, MoJS in his opening remarks stressed that Ken-Betwa link project which is critical for the water security and socio-economic development of Bundelkhand region, should be implemented in a time bound manner using state of art technologies and know-how duly taking care of R&R of project affected people and conservation of the region, particularly the landscape dependent species of Panna Tiger Reserve.
During the meeting, deliberations were held on various agenda items covering follow up actions on decisions taken during the 1st meeting, work plan for year 2022-23, engagement of Project Management Consultancy, land acquisition and R&R of affected villages, establishment of offices of Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority, implementation of integrated landscape management plan prepared by Wildlife Institute of India for Greater Panna, financial powers of KBLPA, reimbursement to State on expenditure made etc.
It was also proposed to constitute a Technical Advisory Group for KBLP to review and advise the Authority on various planning and technical matters. An R&R Committee to monitor the implementation of R&R plan in transparent and time bound manner was proposed to be constituted. A Greater Panna Landscape council was also proposed to be constituted for implementation of Landscape Management Plan  and Environment Management Plan  of the project.
Ministry of Steel
NMDC Shines at Rough Diamond Auction
National Mineral Development Corporation Ltd. , Country’s largest Iron Ore producer, a CPSE under Ministry of Steel conducted an e-auction for sale of rough diamonds produced at its Panna Diamond mines located in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The e-auction received an overwhelming response from Diamond merchants of Surat, Mumbai and Panna. About 8337 Carats of rough diamonds, produced prior to Dec’20, were offered in the auction and almost 100% of the quantity received winning bids.
NMDC’s Diamond Mining Project at Majhgawan - Panna happens to be the only mechanised diamond mine in the country. The Project is equipped with the facilities of Ore Processing Plant including heavy media separation unit, X-ray sorter for diamond separation and disposal system for tailings generated.
Shri Sumit Deb, CMD, NMDC said, “NMDC has been in the sphere of mining for over six decades now. With state of art technology and unparalleled experience, the company has become an entity that balances environmental safety and protection of people around the mines with enhanced production capacity for the nation. We recently received an overwhelming response in the diamond auction conducted at Surat where almost 100% of the offered quantity received bids from the diamond merchants. NMDC has its diamond mine at Panna in Madhya Pradesh, which is the only state in India that accounts for 90% of the total diamond resource for our country. NMDC’s presence in the state with a production capacity of 84,000 carats per year shows its commitment to the country’s growing economy.”
Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
STUDENTS OF TELANGANA & HARYANA PARTICIPATE IN ‘EK BHARAT, SHRESHTHA BHARAT’ PROGRAM HELD AT NMREC
Students from several districts of Haryana state visited Telangana under AKAM  -EBSB  Student Exchange programme. As part of this initiative, city based Nalla Malla Reddy Engineering College  hosted 47 students from Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and studies along with the students from different schools of Haryana. A Five-day long activities were conducted as part of the initiative. It was aimed at developing an understanding of culture , heritage , habits and languages of Telangana and Haryana. The activities helped the students in developing a mutual bond and promoting the concept of unity in diversity. The Students also actively participated in the cultural activities which included folk dances and songs of both the states. Batukamma festival, which celebrates life and is unique festival of Telangana, was celebrated by the entire college along with the guests from Haryana. The students picked flowers, made the Batukamma  and played the traditional barukamma dance with great zeal during the event.
The students of Haryana also got a glimpse of the history of Telangana through their visits to various heritage sites including Golconda fort, Charminar, and Salarjung Museum. They also visited Pochampally village, which is located 50 km east of Hyderabad and known as Ikkat capital of India. The students interacted with the weavers of Pochampally and understood the hard work that goes into making the delicate Ikkat weaves besides understanding the significance of the village during the Famous Bhoodan movement of India.
The students of both the states also participated in recreational activities like poster making, rangoli, and sports etc. Throughout the program, the students from Telangana and Haryana had a good interaction with each other and learnt each other’s culture and language.
The Haryana students were also introduced to Telangana cuisine with special delicacies like the Hyderabadi Biryani, dalcha, Double-ka-mitha, kaddu-ka-kheer, pachipulusu and sarvapindi etc.
The Director of NMREC, the Regional officer of AICTE, the Principal of NMREC and the nodal officers of EBSB welcomed the students at the beginning of the program . As part of orientation, the AICTE officials from New Delhi including Prof. Rajive Kumar and the Member Secretary of the AICTE addressed the students.
The Student Exchange programme enabled the students of Telangana and Haryana to imbibe the chord of binding and brotherhood, which is the goal behind Ek Bharat Shershta Bharat . The EBSB programme was launched to foster national integration through a coordinated mutual engagement process between States & Union Territories. The Telangana state has been paired with Haryana under this program . Under the banner of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav , union Ministry of Education  has initiated the AKAM-EBSB Student Exchange programme.